If you have an inspection opening and the engine turns over, you could unbolt the pressure plate from the flywheel. That would leave just the pilot bearing to keep the transmission from coming loose. The pressure plate should then come out with the transmission.

Kevin
1951 Chevy 3100 work truck
Follow this saga in Project Journal
Photos
1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car)
Busting rust since the mid-60's
If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.